scholarly journals An effect of the COVID-19 pandemic: significantly more complicated appendicitis due to delayed presentation of patients!

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Burgard ◽  
Floryn Cherbanyk ◽  
Konstantinos Nassiopoulos ◽  
Sonaz Malekzadeh ◽  
François Pugin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Complicated Appendicitis ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

AbstractAIMS OF THE STUDYThe novel coronavirus pandemic has affected emergency department consultations for surgical pathologies. The aim of our study was to compare the number of acute appendicitis cases and the proportion of complicated appendicitis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed all data collected from a multi-center database of patients presenting to the emergency department for acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 12 to June 6, 2020, and compared these data with those from the same periods in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The number of acute appendicitis cases, proportion of complicated appendicitis, and pre- and postoperative patient characteristics were evaluated.RESULTSA total of 306 patients were included in this evaluation. Sixty-five patients presented during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (group A), and 241 patients in previous years (group B: 2017–2019). The number of consultations for acute appendicitis decreased by almost 20 percent during the pandemic compared with previous periods, with a significant increase in complicated appendicitis (52% in group A versus 20% in group B, p < 0,001.). Comparing the two groups, significant differences were also noted in the duration of symptoms (symptoms > 48h in 61% and 26%, p < 0,001), the intervention time (77 vs 61 minutes, p = 0,002), length of hospital stay (hospitalization of > 2 days in 63% and 32%, p < 0.001) and duration of antibiotic treatment (antibiotics > 3 days in 36% and 24% p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decreased number of consultations for acute appendicitis, with a higher proportion of complicated appendicitis, most likely due to patient delay in consulting the emergency department at symptom onset. Patients and general practitioners should be aware of this problem to avoid a time delay from initial symptoms to consultation.

scholarly journals An effect of the COVID-19 pandemic: Significantly more complicated appendicitis due to delayed presentation of patients!

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0249171
Author(s):  
Marie Burgard ◽  
Floryn Cherbanyk ◽  
Konstantinos Nassiopoulos ◽  
Sonaz Malekzadeh ◽  
François Pugin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Complicated Appendicitis ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Aims of the study The novel coronavirus pandemic has affected emergency department consultations for surgical pathologies. The aim of our study was to compare the number of acute appendicitis cases and the proportion of complicated appendicitis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We retrospectively analyzed all data collected from a multi-center database of patients presenting to the emergency department for acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 12 to June 6, 2020, and compared these data with those from the same periods in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The number of acute appendicitis cases, proportion of complicated appendicitis, and pre- and postoperative patient characteristics were evaluated. Results A total of 306 patients were included in this evaluation. Sixty-five patients presented during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (group A), and 241 patients in previous years (group B: 2017–2019). The number of consultations for acute appendicitis decreased by almost 20 percent during the pandemic compared with previous periods, with a significant increase in complicated appendicitis (52% in group A versus 20% in group B, p < 0,001.). Comparing the two groups, significant differences were also noted in the duration of symptoms (symptoms > 48h in 61% and 26%, p < 0,001), the intervention time (77 vs 61 minutes, p = 0,002), length of hospital stay (hospitalization of > 2 days in 63% and 32%, p < 0.001) and duration of antibiotic treatment (antibiotics > 3 days in 36% and 24% p = 0.001). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decreased number of consultations for acute appendicitis, with a higher proportion of complicated appendicitis, most likely due to patient delay in consulting the emergency department at symptom onset. Patients and general practitioners should be aware of this problem to avoid a time delay from initial symptoms to consultation.

scholarly journals Commencement of systemic corticosteroids in emergency Department versus in ward in management of acute adult asthma requiring hospitalization: a retrospective cohort study

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 608-614
Author(s):  
Suen Pao Yim
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Acute Asthma ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Adult Asthma ◽  
Systemic Corticosteroids ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Group B

Introduction: Systemic corticosteroids are commonly used in management of acute asthma, sometimes started before admission in emergency department, sometimes in ward after admission. This study is to determine whether commencing systemic corticosteroids in emergency department compared to in ward for managing acute adult asthma requiring hospitalization can improve the outcome: shorter length of hospital stay.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in an emergency department in Hong Kong. Adults aged 18 to 65 years-old who presented to the emergency department with acute asthma and subsequently hospitalized with use of systemic corticosteroids were recruited and divided into two groups: a group with commencement of systemic corticosteroids in emergency department (Group A, n=139) and the other group with commencement of systemic corticosteroids in ward (Group B, n=209). The outcome measurement was length of hospital stay.Results: A total of 348 subjects were recruited in final analyses. We used Mann-Whitney U test to test the difference in ranking of length of hospital stay (days) between these two groups. The mean rank of length of hospital stay in Group A was 159, and that in Group B was 185 (p=0.014). The difference was statistically significant with commencement of systemic corticosteroids in emergency department resulting in higher ranking-shorter length of hospital stay.Conclusion: It may be possible to result in earlier discharge in acute adult asthma requiring hospitalization when systemic corticosteroids is started before admission in emergency department, instead of in ward after admission.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.608-614

scholarly journals Accuracy of Alvarado Scoring System and Selective Computed Tomography in Diagnosis of Suspected Cases of Acute Appendicitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-11
Author(s):  
Abbas AR Mohamed ◽  
Safaa A Mobarki ◽  
Ashwag H Al Qabasani ◽  
Nusiba A Al Shingiti ◽  
Alaa A El Sayed
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Oral Contrast ◽  
Middle Group ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of combined Alvarado scoring system and selective computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of suspected cases of acute appendicitis. Material and methods: This study was conducted during the period March 2018 to January 2020 at Prince Mohammed bin Abdul-Aziz hospital (NGHA) in Al Madinah, KSA. It is a prospective study involving 100 consecutive patients attending the emergency department with right iliac fossa pain, excluding children below the age of 14 years and pregnant women. All patients were initially assessed by the Alvarado scoring system, and the result of each patient was recorded in a separate predesigned data sheath. Based on the patient's calculated Alvarado scores, patients were stratified into three groups: Group A (score ≤ 4), Group B (score 5-6), and group C (score ≥ 7). All patients in group A were discharged from the emergency department with instruction to return if their symptoms persist or get worse while all patients in group B had an abdominal multidetector CT scan (MDCT) with IV contrast and no oral contrast to help the diagnosis. Group C patients had surgery without further investigation. Alvarado scores were compared to intraoperative findings and histopathological examination of the removed appendix in those who were operated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the scoring system in each group were calculated with special reference to the role of CT scan in improving the diagnostic accuracy of the scoring system in the middle group (group B). Result: 58 patients were male and 42 were female. Age range between 14 and 43 years with median age 24 years. Out of the 100 patients, 14 (8 males, 6 females) belonged to Group A, 23 (11 males, 12 females) to Group B and 63 (39 males, 24 females) to group C. Two patients from group A (one male and one female) were returned with worsening symptoms and subsequently operated for acute appendicitis. CT scan established the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in 16 out of the patients of group B with subsequent histological confirmation of acute appendicitis in 15 of them. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in 32 out of 63 patients of group C. Conclusion: Alvarado score has a high accuracy of ruling in and out acute appendicitis at the extremes of the score (≤7 and ≥4), however, the accuracy of the score to confirm or rule out acute appendicitis in the middle group (5 -6) is significantly low. Selective utilization of CT scan in patients in the middle of the score improves the diagnostic accuracy of the score and limits overutilization of CT scan in the other patients at the extremes of the score saving patients unnecessary exposure to radiation and health authorities’ time and cost without increasing the rate of negative appendectomy.

scholarly journals Characteristics and Outcomes of Acute Appendicitis Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Başer ◽  
Mehmet Kağan Katar
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Open Surgery ◽  
Open Appendectomy ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Conversion To Open Surgery ◽  
Group B

Abstract Background: Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute appendicitis cases.Methods: This study was designed as a single-center, retrospective, and observational study. The patients were divided into three groups relative to the date of the first COVID-19 case in Turkey, which was March 10, 2020 (Group A: before the pandemic; Group B: pandemic period; Group C: the same period one year before the pandemic). A total of 413 patients were included in the study.Results: In terms of treatment modality, the rate of open appendectomy was significantly higher in group B (p<0.001). Rates of conversion to open surgery, as well as rates of complicated appendicitis were also significantly higher in group B (p=0.027, p=0.024, respectively). While there was no difference between the groups in terms of preoperative hospitalization duration (p=0.102), it was found that the duration of symptoms, operation time, and postoperative length of hospital stay were significantly higher in Group B (p<0.001, p=0.011, p=0.001, respectively). In addition, the complication rate in group B (8.9%) was also significantly higher than in the other two groups (p=0.023).Conclusion: We found that the rate of open surgery, the rate of conversion of laparoscopic surgery to open surgery, complication rates, mean operation time, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly higher in acute appendicitis patients that underwent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We believe that the main reason for this negative outcome is the late admission of the patients to the hospital.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Dual Antibacterial Therapy and Effectiveness of Recommendation Criteria as a Diagnostic Tool in Children with Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Liene Taurina ◽  
Zane Liepina ◽  
Astra Zviedre ◽  
Arnis Engelis ◽  
Aigars Petersons
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Antibacterial Therapy ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Suspected Acute Appendicitis

SummaryIntroductionAcute appendicitis (AA) – acute inflammation and infection of the appendix – is one of the most common cause for abdominal surgery in pediatrics. Appendectomy has been the gold standard since 1735, but in recent years there have been several studies that investigate antibacterial therapy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. In 2016 new recommendations for suspected AA were implemented in emergency department setting of Children's Clinical University Hospital (CCUH).Aim of the StudyTo evaluate whether diagnostic criteria for patients with a suspected acute appendicitis is effective as a diagnostic tool and to evaluate whether dual antibacterial therapy is safe and effective as first line treatment for children with diagnosis of uncomplicated acute appendicitis in CCUH.Material and methodsA retrospective study was made in CCUH from January 2017 to December 2017. Patients aged 7 to 18 with suspected uncomplicated acute appendicitis were identified and data were collected from an internal hospital management system and patients’ medical records. Patients were divided into two groups – A and B. In group A were patients who met the criteria of uncomplicated AA, and in group B – patients who met the criteria of complicated AA. Both groups received ampicillin and metronidazole. For statistical analysis IBM SPSS Statistics 22 program was used.ResultsFrom 98 patients majority were boys (51% (n=50)) with mean age 12.6 years. As a result of antibacterial therapy clinical condition improved in 93% (n=89) of patients who were discharged without surgery. 7 patients did not improve and underwent surgery within 48 hours after admission, another 2 had elective appendectomy. There was a significant positive moderate correlation between C–reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), basophil granulocytes (BASO) and appendix diameter at admisson and after 48 hours of dual antibacterial therapy (r=0.31, p=0.003 vs. r=0.37, p<0.001 vs. r=0.41, p=0.017 vs. r=0.51, p=0.013). In group A (68% (n=67)) there was a significant positive moderate correlation between CRP, WBC and appendix diameter at admission and after 48 hours of dual antibacterial therapy (r=0.31, p=0.003 vs. r=0.37, p<0.001 vs. r=0.51, p=0.013). In group B (30% (n=31)) 7 patients underwent appendectomy and 2 patients received a broad spectrum antibacterial therapy prior to elective appendectomy. There is evidence of significant association between ALVARADO score (p=0.004), rebound tenderness (p<0.001), WBC (p=0.004), CRP (p<0.001) and stage in which appendicitis has progressed to.ConclusionsAntibiotic-alone treatment may be a safe and effective initial management choice in children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. However, to fully evaluate effectiveness of antibacterial therapy and diagnostic criteria, further follow–up research is needed.A normal C–reactive protein value does not rule out uncomplicated acute appendicitis, therefore it can not act as a single marker to diagnose AA or to differentiate between complicated and uncomplicated AA.Recommendations of treatment of UCAA are acceptable for use in emergency department as they act as a unified tool that allows pediatricians and pediatric surgeons to quickly assess suspected acute appendicitis.

scholarly journals THORACIC DISC HERNIATION: CASE SERIES AND PROTOCOL FOR SURGICAL APPROACHES

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
EDUARDO AUGUSTO IUNES ◽  
FRANZ JOOJI ONISHI ◽  
VINICIUS DE MELDAU BENITES ◽  
RODRIGO MIZIARA YUNES ◽  
ALEXANDRE JOSÉ REIS ELIAS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Lateral Position ◽  
Posterolateral Approach ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Surgical Risk ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the surgical results of a prospective series of five patients operated according to an approach indication protocol. Methods: Patients were classified according to surgical risk: Group A (high risk) or B (low risk) and subsequently into subgroups according to characteristics of the herniation and ultimately the surgical approach was defined: A.1) calcified central herniations - thoracoscopy; A.2) soft lateral herniations - posterolateral approach; A.3) centrolateral herniations - partial calcification in lateral position - posterolateral approach; higher density central calcification - thoracoscopy; B.1) central or centrolateral calcified herniations - thoracotomy or thoracoscopy; B.2) soft lateral herniations - posterolateral approach. Results: The duration of symptoms ranged from 2 months to 3 years; the age bracket was from 37 to 58 years; sex distribution was 3 female and 2 male patients and the length of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 20 days. The most affected level was T11/12. A patient classified as Group A.3 underwent posterolateral approach. The remaining patients were Group B.1, 3 submitted to thoracotomy and 1 to thoracoscopy. The herniation removal was completed in 5 cases; 3 patients improved and 2 remained stable. The morbidity and the recovery time were higher in patients who underwent anterolateral approaches. Conclusions: Classify patients according to surgical risk and the anatomical characteristics of disc herniation allows for complete decompression, minimizing morbidity and mortality.

scholarly journals STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CASUISTRY OF A SAMPLE OF METASTATIC DISEASE IN THE SPINE

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-66
Author(s):  
DAVID MARCELO DUARTE ◽  
RAPHAEL DE REZENDE PRATALI ◽  
ANDRÉ LUIZ PELLACANI FRANÇA ◽  
CARLOS EDUARDO ALGAVES SOARES OLIVEIRA
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Spinal Metastases ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Agreement Rate ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Tokuhashi Score ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Performance Scale

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study is to present demographic data on the occurrence of spinal metastases in the service where the work was performed and to investigate the reliability of the modified Tokuhashi score in the decision making in patients with metastatic spinal cancer. Methods: We conducted a review of medical records of all cases of vertebral bone metastasis, confirmed by anatomopathological examination, from January 2009 to June 2012. Data review included demographic details, origin of the primary cancer, duration of symptoms, localization of metastases, Karnofsky performance scale and survival based on modified Tokuhashi score. We divided patients into three groups. Group A included patients with life expectancy of less than six months, group B included patients with life expectancy of between six and 12 months, and group C included patients with a life expectancy of more than 12 months. We compared the calculated survival with the current survival in the three groups with all patients followed-up to a minimum of 1 year or until death. Results: The predict survival in group A was 63.6% according to the modified Tokuhashi score, albeit group B had only 30% agreement. Conclusions: For patients in group A, the agreement rate of patient survival was better (63.4%) than that observed in patients in group B (30%). Our sample had no patient classified as group C.

scholarly journals What are the responsible risk factors for delay in diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children? Eleven-year research from a single institution

Folia Medica ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-396
Author(s):  
Katerina Kambouri ◽  
Maria Aggelidou ◽  
Savvas Deftereos ◽  
Aggelos Tsalkidis ◽  
George Vaos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Paediatric Surgeon ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Logistic Regression Method ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Introduction: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 602 children operated on for acute appendicitis (AA) in our department between 1/2007 and 12/2017. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify factors that are related to a delay in diagnosing AA in children. Furthermore, we’d like to strengthen our previous preliminary results by a) adding gender as a new factor and b) studying a much larger population. Materials and methods: The time that elapsed from the onset of symptoms to the surgical intervention was associated with gender, age, obesity, use of antibiotics prior to diagnosis, and the initial examination by a paediatric surgeon or another physician. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression method (backward method) was applied. Results: The diagnosis of AA was delayed by at least 48 hours in 287 patients (group A, 47.7%) and was made within 48 hours in 315 patients (group B, 52.3%). In multivariate model we noticed that boys who were examined by a paediatric surgeon and didn’t take antibiotics had decreased odds of having length of diagnostic period >48 hours, girls who received antibiotics compared to girls who do not use antibiotics are almost 12 times more likely to have length of diagnostic period >48 hours, the very young age has а main effect оn the diagnostic delay and girls who have been examined by other physician compared to females who have been examined by paediatric surgeon have decreased odds of having length of diagnostic period >48 hours. Conclusions: Therefore, physicians examining children with abdominal pain must keep in mind the multiple causes of diagnostic delay that may exist alone or in combination, and which can lead to serious complications and lengthen the hospital stay. Performing repeated examinations and asking for advice from a specialist specifically for children who are a special category of patients, in areas where it is rather impossible to use imaging techniques, could be the key to correctly diagnosing and treating AA.

scholarly journals Increased incidence of complicated acute appendicitis after the first COVID-19 pandemic peak: Have patients a different attitude towards COVID-hospitals?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Passoni ◽  
M Giuliani ◽  
M Arigoni
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Complicated Appendicitis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Original Structure ◽  
Group A ◽  
Wbc Count ◽  
Complicated Acute Appendicitis

Abstract Objective The 11 March 2020 the World Health Organisation considered the COVID-19 Infection a pandemic disease. Between March and May 2020, the region of southern Switzerland was affected by the first pandemic peak, which was managed by dividing hospitals in Covid and non Covid facilities and by reducing elective surgery. At the end of the pandemic peak hospitals returned to their original structure but there was concern as to possible avoidance of former COVID facilities by patients because of fear of contracting of COVID-19 infection. For acute situations such as acute appendicitis, this could imply a delay of treatment. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyse the increment in incidence of complicated appendicitis in the post-pandemic period at our institution. Methods Clinical data of patients who underwent appendectomies in the period before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were analysed and compared. Diagnosis was based histopathological examination and/or on intra-operative or CT findings. Complicated appendicitis was defined as the presence of perforated or gangrenous appendicitis on histopathology or the presence of an abscess on CT scan. The incidence of complicated appendicitis, the time between onset of symptoms and patient admission (TOSA), the initial inflammatory blood tests and the complication rate was compared between the two periods. Results 79 patients were included in the study, 31 in the post-COVID-19 peak group (A), April - October 2020, and 48 in the pre-pandemic group (B), April - October 2019. Incidence of complicated appendicitis was significantly higher in group A (55% vs 14% p = 0.02). These findings correlate with a greater TOSA (mean time 35 hours vs 17 hours, p = 0.01) and higher inflammatory values in the initial blood test, (mean WBC count 14.8 G/l vs 12.9 G/l, p = 0.08 and mean CRP value 73 mg/l vs 43 mg/l, p = 0.01) in group A. Conclusion Our data show a clear increase of incidence of complicated acute appendicitis after the pandemic peak in our hospital. Indeed patients tended to wait longer to visit our emergency department after the pandemic peak. One explanation is a possible fear by the patients of contracting COVID-19 infection in a former COVID hospital. Management of surgical emergencies during and after a pandemic peak phase should take into account the fact that patients may wait longer to visit a doctor thus aggravating the degree of their disease.

scholarly journals Comparative evaluation of nebulised 3% saline versus nebulised 0.9% saline in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1182
Author(s):  
Pragalatha Kumar A. ◽  
Indhuja Rajarathinam ◽  
Aruna Gowdra
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Severity Score ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Acute Bronchiolitis ◽  
Clinical Severity Score ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Background: Acute bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory tract infection in young children. Despite the high prevalence of acute bronchiolitis, no consensus exists on the management. Studies have shown that except oxygen therapy, no other treatment found to be effective. Hence, the present study was conducted to find out the efficacy of nebulised 3% saline versus is 0.9% saline for the treatment of acute bronchiolitis.Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study of 150 children between the age group of 2 months to 24 months with signs and symptoms of Acute Bronchiolitis admitted to Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore from January 2016 to December 2016 formed the study group, they were randomized into 2 groups, one received 3% saline nebulization and the other received 0.9% saline.Results: A total of 150 children were enrolled in the study, 75 children (group A) received 0.9% saline and 75 children (group B) received 3% saline. At 24 hours, the mean clinical severity score for group A was 2.49±1.03 and group B was 2.16±0.49 (P=0.013). The duration of hospital stay was shorter (1-3 days) in 3% saline with a mean of 2.35 days and was longer (3-5 days) in 0.9% saline with mean value of 4.04 days which was statistically significant (p <0.001).Conclusions: 3% saline nebulization can be used as an effective treatment for acute bronchiolitis. It significantly reduced the clinical severity score and length of hospital stay compared to 0.9% normal saline.

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